Microsoft announces $2.9 billion investment in AI and cloud technologies in Japan
Microsoft has announced plans to invest $2.9 billion over the next two years to develop its hyperscale cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Japan. This will be Microsoft’s largest investment in the country.
The announcement came after a meeting in Washington, DC, between Microsoft President Brad Smith and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is on an official visit to the United States.
Microsoft also intends to expand its digital learning programs to train more than 3 million people in Japan in AI skills within three years. The company also plans to open a laboratory for artificial intelligence and robotics in the country, as well as strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity with the Japanese government.
Kishida’s visit to the United States includes a meeting with President Joe Biden, during which the two leaders will discuss strengthening ties in areas including defense, economic security, and key technologies.
Earlier, Kishida called on American companies to increase investment in Japan in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing. According to him, Japanese investments will also become “capital” for increasing investments in both countries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Japan ranks first among investor countries in the United States with $775.2 billion at the end of 2022. It is followed by Canada and the United Kingdom. This is much more than China’s investment of $44.8 billion.
